One Year with the Cutest Sioux Falls Police Officer In Town

Whenever Sioux Falls police officers are stressed at work, they always visit their favorite co-worker at the office. He's full of energy and always saying hello to everyone he sees.

Leo the golden retriever pup has been a member of the City of Sioux Falls Police Department for one year! What a year Leo has had since joining the force!

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Pigeon605 (with permission)

Leo the Therapy Dog officially joined the City of Sioux Falls Police Department in April of 2023. Police Chief Jon Thum tells our friends at Pigeon 605 that having Leo around has major benefits around the department. Leo is "helping officers through stressful situations and serving as outreach for the department." Sioux Falls loves seeing Leo with the officers!

“He’s quickly become the most recognizable and talked-about member of our department. … We had a group of elementary school kids come in last week, talking about their position with student council and leadership, and we gave a tour of the building. The most exciting part was when we introduced Leo and we got to pet Leo and they got Leo stickers.”

You can never underestimate the power of therapy dogs, especially when they are as adorable as Leo! Fun fact about Leo: His name is actually an acronym for "law enforcement officer."

Leo has been working hard all year to pass all his classes. Chief Thum explains Leo has a goofy side in the office. But when Leo is in public, he knows it's time to work and to be on his best behavior.

You can read more about Leo and his story by clicking here. Don't forget! You can get the latest Sioux Falls news when you "adopt a pigeon" with Pigeon 605.

We couldn't imagine a city without Leo in it!

New Sioux Falls Residents are Moving from these 5 Cities

Before we get to the top 5, here's an honorable mention that's a bit surprising:

20) New York City: Sioux Falls gained 83 new residents in the latest census, according to Stacker.

Gallery Credit: Andy Gott

The 10 Largest Occupations in Sioux Falls

Where do people in Sioux Falls work? If this was fifty years ago the average Sioux Fallsian worked in some industrial, meat packing, or farm-related position. Sioux Falls has also been the major regional medical center for decades.

Customer service and other retail-related jobs have always been a part of the Sioux Empire's economy. But in recent years those industries have become major employers.

If you live in Sioux Falls, there's a pretty good chance you work one of these jobs. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the top 10 largest occupations in Sioux Falls (as of 2022).

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns